Where to get great raw oysters?

My husband has been dying for some raw oysters as of lately and his birthday is next week. We have just both found out that we are losing our jobs in a very short time, not just one of us, but both! I was wondering if you and the TH readers might suggest an eatery anywhere in the cap. region that might have good quality raw oysters at a reasonable price? I know of course there is Jack’s, but I really don’t feel comfy spending that much. As for Reel Seafood, I’m not opposed, just wondering if there are other options too? We are casual people who wouldn’t care about atmosphere, just great food. Any suggestions?

21 Responses

OK – admittedly not local – and certainly more a treat than an inexpesive alternative……..however……if you are looking for a really great way to spend a saturday AND have great oysters…….take a leisurly drive to Pougkeepsie, hop Metro North (about $30 each RT) to Grand Central and go to the Oyster Bar. The bonus here is that you are in the heart of NYC and can take a bit of a walking tour, or hop the subway anywhere.

If you want to take a day trip to Manchester Vt. Earth and Sea Fish Market. Retail or wholesale. Many capital area restaurants buy from his purveyor. Top quality. Or call them and ask who they sell to in the Capital Region.

If Reel Seafood is not going to do the trick for you then you are going to have to travel. Both of the posts above are good advice but both involve traveling.

LeGrande has the ABSOLUTE BEST raw bar in our area and you really can’t beat it. Everything is SUPER fresh and prepared to order by expert hands.

I have long believed that consistency is perhaps the single greatest challenge any restaurant faces. Putting out an excellent product, day after day, night after night is a tremendous accomplishment and one that simply cannot be achieved by amateurs.

LeGrande and Luca Brunelle not only do this every night but it has been going on for 25 years. It is a record of achievement unmatched in the Albany area.

We echo Jerry’s comments. Unmtached for 25 consecutive years! How can you beat this? You can’t. Plus you’re buying local. Go on their patio, have a couple of cocktails, enjoy their Raw oysters, life is good! And good luck to you both in your future endevours. Things will look up for you both!

I am the one who wrote this to Steve to post, and I thank you all for your suggestions. We will probably go to Reel Seafood, as that is what I was leaning towards anyway, but wasn’t sure if there were other hidden gems around to consider. Not really up for traveling right now, sort of in a financial panic mode. But when things look up, a trip to NYC will be in order!
Apparently Herbert thinks this is a joke, I wasn’t asking how to get a beach house in Acapulco, just a nice dinner for my husband at a good price. Glad you have something constructive to contribute, must be a great guy to make fun of those being laid off in the middle of this ‘great economic windfall’ (too bad sarcasm doesn’t have a font).

KimBERLY- So sorry to hear about your situation. Best of luck to you both. Judging from the non-sarcastic posts, it sounds like you might have a trip to Reel Seafood in your future. Enjoy, and don’t forget to treat yourself well, especially when times are tough.

I know I’m chiming in a little late here, but the best oysters I’ve ever had I’ve ordered over the internet, straight from the farm. Some oyster farmers even have tide charts on the web page so you can tell exactly when your oysters will be harvested. The oysters themselves are cheap, but you pay quite a bit for overnight shipping. Still, by bypassing the usual distribution system, they are so amazingly fresh and wonderful it’s worth it.